STAY AWAY

‘No Trick or Treat’: Georgia Sheriff Marks Sex Offenders’ Homes for Halloween

Local sheriff takes matters into his own hands on Halloween.

Police in Georgia have taken an extraordinary step to ensure kids have a spooky but safe Halloween today—a local sheriff has put up signs on sex offenders’ houses warning children to steer clear. The warning sign shows a Halloween candy bag with a big red cross struck through it and reads: “Warning! No trick or treat at this address!” Butts County Sheriff Gary Long said: “There are some sex offenders that are not happy. But I’m not in the business of making them happy. I’m in the business of keeping safe communities and making sure that our children are protected.” Georgia state law prohibits sex offenders from decorating their property for Halloween. Last week, Grovetown Mayor Gary E. Jones said he’d round up registered sex offenders on Halloween and house them at city hall.